Bedside Cot 6 Months Plus
Bedside sleepers allow you to keep your baby in the same room as you are without the risk of sharing a bed, which is associated with a higher chance of death from suffocation. They are also a great choice for infants.
Models with adjustable height positions will fit perfectly on most bed frames. Also, look for breathable fabrics that are easy to clean.
Safety
A bedside cot could be described as a bassinet that is connected to the bed's side for safe cosleeping. It can be used to bring your baby toward you to provide comfort, feed or to soothe your baby at the night. It's also an excellent alternative if you've have had a c section. It's different from a Moses basket or cot due to the fact that it has high sides so your baby isn't able to be pushed out. Some have a tilt function that can aid babies with reflux and colic. They are also a bit larger than Moses baskets which makes them easier to move from room to room.
The NHS and the safe sleep charity The Lullaby Trust advise that newborns should be kept in their own cot or bassinet in the same room as their parents, but not in your bed. Sharing beds increases the risk of overheating or suffocation. Bedside cribs provide the best of both worlds, giving your baby the opportunity to be close to you during the night, but in their own private and secure sleeping space.
Make sure that the crib is in compliance with the most recent safety standards. It must be BS EN1130:2019. Also, make sure that there aren't any gaps or parts that could allow your child to get trapped. Find a mattress with a flat, firm surface. A sagging mattress or one that is too soft can increase the risk of SIDS for your baby.
Finally, you should look for bedding that is affixed and free from any loose blankets or pillows. Pillows are a suffocation risk and duvets can be a hazard to the baby's face. It's best to make use of a fitted sheet instead however, make sure it's sized correctly.
The SnuzPod4 was highly rated by our MFM mother test participants as a crib that is suitable for use in bed. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the category of Best Cot, Moses Basket or Crib. It is attached securely to the bed, and it has an adjustable height for a perfect fit. It has a rocking feature and can be set to an inclined angle for reflux. It's also a great choice for people with narrow or small beds since it doesn't take up too much space.
Design
The design of a crib for the bed is important as it is the place where your child will spend the majority of their time. A lot of cribs are available in a choice of colours to suit your decor and include features such as mesh windows that keep baby in view, or sides that drop down that allow you to reach it. Some cribs even have incline functions to help with reflux.
The majority of cribs can be adjusted to fit the height of your bed, making it easy to get out and in to the bed at time of night. Some cribs can be used as travel cots. This is a great feature when you're traveling or visiting family.
Leya Leya, an MFM mum and home tester, discovered that the SnuzPod 4 was a great design for her bedroom. She also liked its compact fold which saved space. She also liked the fact that one side of the crib can be adjusted to lower, letting her pick up her baby without having to get out of bed. This is particularly helpful if you have had an emergency C-section or recovering from an Caesarean because it allows you to stay close to your baby for a longer period of time.
Another mom who loved using the SnuzPod 4 was Jasmine, who commented that it was simple to move from room room, something she didn't discover with other cribs she looked at for bedside use. She did mention that the handle was stiff and it took an enormous amount of effort to move the crib.
The Tutti Bambini CoZee Air is another crib that is easy to fold and move. It was nominated for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, in the Best Cot or Crib category. Its slim frame and neutral colour options will fit in with most bedrooms, although some of our home testers felt the bars were a little too close, which means they could get caught on clothing or toys for babies. The distance between each bar should not exceed 6.5cm (2.5 inches) to ensure that your baby's head can't become trapped. This crib is also good for babies with reflux, due to the ComfortAir air-tight system helps regulate body temperature.
Comfort
Staying close to your baby all night will give you peace of mind, however, you should be in a position to be able to get them quickly to feed them in the middle of the night. With a crib at your bedside it is possible to do this without having to get out of your bed. These cribs make it easy to soothe babies into sleep. If you'd like to lay down with your baby but aren't keen on the idea of waking up to feed your baby moses baskets are an ideal choice.
Most bedside cribs are connected to the bedside which allows you to access and touch your baby. They typically have a mesh window so you can check on your baby without disturbing them. You may also find an option for reflux that aids with colic and reflux.
We're awestruck by the variety of features that are included on this crib, including the ComfortAir air-tight mattress that helps to regulate your baby's temperature and maximise airflow. It's smaller than other cribs for bedside use which can be beneficial in areas with limited space. But our mum testers all agree that it's still an excellent option for those long sleeps.
The cot is secured to the bed's side using adjustable straps. This minimizes the chance of gaps in which your child can get trapped. It also comes with a sturdy flat mattress that is in line with safety standards and promotes the safest sleeping habits.
It is important to be aware that your baby will begin to get out of their crib when they're able to sit upright typically about six months old. It's crucial to put your baby in a cot or a different sleeping arrangement after they've outgrown their crib.
A lightweight cot that is suitable for travel is a further feature to consider. Some of our mothers love the fact that this crib can be disassembled for transport However, some find it difficult to assemble. It can be difficult to clean, so you'll need to wipe it down regularly with a cleaning product and a cloth.
Storage
A bedside cot suitable for 6 months and over is a bassinet shaped bed that can be attached to the mattress's side to ensure safe co-sleeping. They are great for feeding at night as well as calming babies to sleep and allowing mothers who have had an e-csection to keep their baby close.
It is essential to select cribs that meet the current safety standards. Check that the bars on the crib are positioned sufficiently apart to prevent your child's head from being trapped. Also, make sure that the drop-down side is safe and doesn't fall open accidentally. Do not place stickers or transfer on the floor of the cot since they could be a choking risk.
Emily's favorite bedside cot for her baby is the Next2me Magic. It was shortlisted for the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards in the categories of Best Crib or Cot, and Best Moses Basket. It's a decent size and has plenty of storage for all your baby's essentials. It's also compact and light enough to fit in a travel bag in case you need to transport it from room to room. If bedside cot for twins looking for something less complicated she suggests Shnuggle Air in addition to Crib.